As you can see on the title image, this Phal has no velamen left.

(For those who aren't orchid nerds, this is a special fleshy water buffering sheath surrounding the thin inner roots. Most other orchids have these too, including my Oncidium type orchids, but usually not as pronounced as Phalaenopsis ones.)

I just pulled them off, since they've been super mushy, and I believe that was the right thing to do, because from what I know they can still transport water.

They were already not looking great when buying them a week ago, that's why I got that plant for 50% off ;)

I transition them to semi-hydro with LECA as medium, and I think the always-wet-conditions just aren't suited for roots that haven't been adapted to it.

I have another Phal (and other orchids) that I've had for half a year now and they're doing great. One has just started blooming after growing vigorously!

My question now is: Would it be better if I remove them all together when buying?

Basically, I get it, soak and remove all already dead roots and leftover bark, and then pot it in LECA with some probiotics added. The roots never touch the nutrient solution directly.

Still, they rot, and I have to redo it again in a few weeks for the second time. They look like shit for the first month, having wrinkled leaves and loosing some, but after that, they do just fine and regrow their root system.

This transition from soil to hydro is also very annoying for other non-orchid plants, but not remotely as stressful.

What's your advice?